The Rise of a Special Forces Soldier Abandoned by a Wealthy Family

Chapter 323 Between Closeness and Distance—The Unspeakable Division of the Cake

Dawn dispelled the chill of the capital, but it could not dispel the tension and anxiety that permeated the air.

This ancient yet modern city, after a sleepless night for countless people, has once again revealed its surface prosperity and bustle.

The streets are bustling with traffic and pedestrians hurrying along, but inside those seemingly ordinary Beijing liaison office buildings, a series of silent battles have already begun.

The investment promotion teams, hastily assembled from various provinces but bringing together the province's elite, rushed to Beijing overnight, like soldiers hearing the bugle call to charge.

At this moment, they are working intensively to analyze intelligence and formulate strategies, and everyone's face is filled with solemnity and anticipation, as if they are fighting a desperate battle.

The atmosphere at the Teng family villa was equally subtle.

Teng Ao's second uncle, Teng Yunhai, appeared in the living room, looking travel-worn.

As the chairman of a municipal council in an important city, he had a bright future ahead of him, but at the crucial juncture of his promotion, Chen Yifeng secretly tripped him up, cutting off his path forward. He had been harboring a deep resentment ever since.

This time, the province formed an investment promotion team and took advantage of his relationship with the Teng family, including him in the team. He was not only contributing to the province, but also looking for an opportunity to turn his life around.

Grandpa Tengtian looked at his tired-looking but bright-eyed nephew, sighed, and personally poured him a cup of hot tea.

Yunhai, you've come too soon. While it's good that you participated in the investment promotion, time is too tight and the competition is too fierce at this crucial juncture.

Although Xiao Ao is the president of Longyu Group, it's not that he doesn't want to help you, it's just that... he has his own difficulties.

Teng Yunhai did not accept the tea, but instead looked directly at Teng Ao, who was sitting to the side with a slight frown. His tone was earnest, but also carried the pressure that came with his dual status as an elder and an official:

"Proud! You founded Longyu Group single-handedly, so your second uncle won't even ask you where you got such a large sum of money."

The province selected me this time because of our relationship.

My second uncle knew that all the provinces were now fiercely competing, their eyes bloodshot with envy. He took a deep breath and adopted a very humble posture:

I came here today not to try to pull strings or put you in a difficult position.

I was just wondering... could I get a hint from you? What are Longyu Group's general investment directions, and what are their core requirements for the regions where they plan to invest?

Even if it's just a general framework, I can go back and report to my superiors so that I can quickly come up with a targeted and competitive investment promotion plan.

In this way, our province still has at least a glimmer of hope, and won't be like a headless fly bumping around aimlessly.

A bittersweet smile appeared on his face as he patted his chest.

Xiao Ao, even if we only manage to secure one R&D center to be located here in the end, I, your second uncle, have lived up to the trust placed in me by the province, lived up to the position I hold, and done my part for the economic development of our province.

Whether I can use this to advance my career is not important! What's important is that I have to live up to my responsibilities! You... can't keep making excuses for this, Uncle, can you?

Looking at his second uncle's complex eyes, which were filled with expectation, helplessness and a sense of responsibility, and listening to his heartfelt words, Teng Ao could only manage a bitter smile.

Having said all that, it would be unreasonable for him to refuse completely, both publicly and privately.

He rubbed his temples helplessly, finally relenting:

"Second Uncle, don't worry, have some tea first. This matter... let me think of another way and ask around."

He knew in his heart that the only way to "ask" was to ask the real decision-maker—Zeng Long.

At the same time, the Yan family courtyard also welcomed a group of special visitors.

Why was it special? Because the person who came was He Jing's father, Zeng Long's maternal grandfather—He Runde, as well as He Jing's elder brother He Xing and younger brother He Feng!

At this sensitive moment when all forces are trying to get close to the Yan family—

Old Master Yan Fushan was already exhausted from dealing with the Zhao family (Old Master Zhao and his eldest son Zhao Bo'an and second son Zhao Zhongping) who had brought generous gifts and made earnest remarks. He was just about to catch his breath when he heard that the He family had come to his door.

He immediately became extremely alert and personally went to the door to greet them, his attitude being completely different from how he had treated the Zhao family before.

He Runde, though a retired leader from an important position and a local warlord, naturally had less influence than Yan Fushan, who had been at the core of power for many years.

However, he has an identity that no one can match—he is He Jing's father and the maternal grandfather of Zeng Long, who stirred up a storm!

This alone was enough for Yan Fushan to give him the highest level of courtesy.

"Brother Runde! Please come in, please come in! It's been a long time since we sat down for a proper chat!"

Yan Fushan warmly shook He Runde's hand and led him to the seat of honor, saying, "Since you're here today, you absolutely have to have a meal here before you leave. Let's have a good drink together, you two old buddies!"

Yan Ruge immediately stepped forward obediently, skillfully rinsing the cups, washing the tea, and brewing it. Then, she respectfully presented the clear, bright tea to He Runde, her voice crisp and clear:

"Grandpa He, please have some tea. Uncles, please have some tea too."

Looking at Yan Ruge, who had grown into a graceful and talented young woman, and then thinking of his eldest grandson who had disappeared without a trace and was suffering somewhere, He Runde was overcome with grief and his eyes instantly welled up with tears.

He sighed heavily, his voice choked with emotion, "Alas! My great-grandson Linglong isn't blessed with such a life..."

He raised his slightly trembling hand, pointed at Yan Rugo, his tone filled with heartache and regret:

Ru Ge is so outstanding now, she's already the general manager of Longyu Group, her future is limitless...

But my poor grandson Zeng Linglong is still missing, and I don't know where he is suffering or what he is going through...

Just thinking about it makes my heart ache! My precious daughter Xiaojing has suffered so much, spending so many years in tears, and... and you, Ruge, have also been wronged...

Seeing this, the eldest brother, He Xing, quickly stepped forward to support his father's arm and whispered words of comfort:

"Dad, please take care of yourself and don't be too sad. Linglong is a lucky boy, he'll definitely be alright, and maybe he'll come back someday."

He then turned apologetically and explained to Yan Fushan and Yan Rugo:

"Mr. Yan, Ru Ge, I'm so sorry. My father is often depressed because he misses Ling Long. He couldn't control himself just now and was rude."

Yan Fushan walked over to He Runde, patted him hard on the shoulder, and spoke with a tone of profound comfort:

"Runde, I understand how you feel. But please take good care of yourself. We old folks still need to see our children achieve great things! Only by getting better can we... only then can we welcome Linglong's future return!"

He Runde, immersed in grief, failed to grasp the implication in his words.

He Runde took it as an old friend comforting him, waved his hand, barely suppressing the bitterness in his heart, and steered the conversation toward the purpose of his visit today.

He looked at Yan Fushan, his expression becoming serious:

"Mr. Yan, to be honest, I brought my two good-for-nothing sons here today. First, to pay you a visit, and second, mainly to find Ru Ge."

He pointed to He Xing:

He Xing is currently serving as the secretary of the council in Tianzhou City, the capital of Tianguang Province.

This time, he went to Beijing with the provincial governor and the provincial investment promotion team, with the target being Longyu Group.

I won't beat around the bush. As a local official, He Xing has a responsibility to seek the well-being of the local people and find opportunities for the city's economic development.

He looked at Yan Rugo with sincere eyes:

"So, we've come here with the intention of asking Ru Ge whether Longyu Group has considered Tianguang Province, especially Tianzhou City, when it's making investments across the country. Or, could you perhaps share some general direction and information?"

He Runde's tone was handled with great finesse:

I will never make things difficult for you, Ruge! Right now, investment promotion teams from all over the country have gathered in Beijing, each showing off their unique abilities, and the competition is fair.

But since we have this relationship, we thought that maybe we could know a little bit of information earlier than others, even if it was just a little bit, so that our prepared plans could be more targeted.

He Xing nodded quickly, a humble yet dignified smile on his face, and said to Yan Rugo:

Ruge, your uncle knows you've just taken office and have a lot to do, so you must be very busy.

As a local official, my uncle has no choice but to do his job. That's why he thought of coming ahead to scout things out for you.

We, Tianzhou City, will do everything in our power to fight for what we can! If we are ultimately not selected because our conditions are not as good as those of other provinces, your uncle will have no complaints and will not make things difficult for you.

As Yan Ruge listened to He Runde's sorrowful words and He Xing's reasonable request, and then looked at the three close relatives of Zeng Long who were connected by blood, her heart clenched!

She exchanged a very complex, anxious, and helpless look with her grandfather, Yan Fushan.

She took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound steady, but it still carried a hint of hesitation and excitement that she couldn't hide:

"Grandpa He, Uncle He, you...you flatter me. The fact that you came to see me shows that you think highly of me, a junior."

She carefully chose her words, feeling as if each one weighed a ton:

"There are some things... I... I really can't say them to you directly yet. But this 'inconvenience' isn't because of the Longyu Group's investment itself, but... because of you... you're different!"

Her voice was urgent, and her eyes were slightly red.

"Anyone who comes to me, I can handle things officially, according to procedures and conditions. But you...you are...If I were to help, I would definitely help without reservation and with all my might! But...I...I...I..."

She kept saying "I" several times, but couldn't finish her sentence. Tears welled up in her eyes as if she had suffered a great injustice.

This sight stunned He Runde, He Xing, and He Feng, who then became tense and excited as well.

He Runde had no idea of ​​the shocking truth behind it all. He only thought that it was their request that had put Yan Rugo under tremendous pressure and difficulty, and he was immediately filled with guilt. He quickly said:

Ruge! Good child, don't get agitated! Please don't get agitated! It's Grandpa He's fault, Grandpa He shouldn't have come to make things difficult for you!

If this is too difficult, then we won't do it! Grandpa watched you grow up, how can we let you make things so difficult for us? Yes, yes, we won't do it!

He Xing panicked and quickly echoed:

Ruge, don't worry! It's my fault for not thinking things through and causing you trouble! I won't ask anymore, I won't ask anything!

We'll finalize the plan, and you just need to follow Longyu Group's rules and procedures exactly as instructed! Don't feel pressured!

Seeing the flustered attempts of the He family father and son to comfort each other due to the misunderstanding, and then looking at his granddaughter's embarrassed state of being unable to speak and on the verge of tears, Yan Fushan finally couldn't help but burst into laughter, "Hahaha..."

His laugh stunned the three members of the He family, father and sons, who looked at him in bewilderment.

Yan Fushan stopped laughing, patted He Xing's shoulder hard again, and pointed at him with a finger, his face showing a helpless expression that was both amused and exasperated.

"Runde! Xiaoxing! You two... have completely misunderstood my granddaughter!"

He shook his head, his tone laced with mockery:

"It's not that she can't help you; she's worried about how much of the pie to give to Tianzhou City! That's why she's in such a dilemma!"

"Huh?!" He Xing was completely stunned, his mind unable to process what was happening for a moment.

Yan Fushan continued to elaborate, his eyes flashing with a meaningful light:

"Why are you asking about investment intentions? Ru Ge is considering how many industrial parks to allocate to Tianzhou City and how many billions of yuan to help you without being too conspicuous and leaving other provinces speechless! That's why she's so conflicted!"

Looking at the still bewildered He family father and son, he finally decided to stop cryptic and lowered his voice, saying each word carefully:

"You've come to the right place today, but at the same time, you've also come to the wrong place!"

"Because you have better, more direct people to go to!" He looked intently at He Runde:

"Brother Runde, that person is your beloved daughter! He Jing!"

"As long as you go to her and explain the situation and needs of Tianzhou City to her in detail..."

Yan Fushan's voice was filled with unwavering certainty:

"Then, Xiao Xing, your investment project in Tianzhou City will be finalized immediately! Moreover, I guarantee it will be far more than just 'a small piece of cake'; its scale... will be so large it will shock and terrify you! Understand?"

"What?!" He Runde, He Xing, and He Feng were completely stunned, as if struck by an even stronger thunderbolt. Their faces were filled with extreme shock, confusion, and disbelief!

Looking for...looking for He Jing? The final decision on Longyu Group's trillion-dollar investment actually rests with their gentle, quiet daughter (or sister), who has been grieving the loss of her child for years?! What...what on earth is going on?!

A tremendous sense of suspense and an even deeper shock overwhelmed them like a tidal wave. The air in the Yan family's living room seemed to freeze completely at that moment.

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